Sign Language in the School Setting

As part of my professional rotation, I am receiving one-on-one sign language instruction from a private tutor.  I am so blessed to be learning from such a knowledgeable individual!  I have chosen to begin learning about terms that are commonly used among children as I can immediately apply this information during my current rotation.  I will then address some terms and phrases more commonly used among adults. I am really looking forward to this brief yet broad introduction to sign language, as this has always been an interest of mine.  I have met so many wonderful people who I may have been able to communicate with more effectively if I had known sign language.  What a great opportunity this is!

My instructor advised me to purchase the book referenced below, as she has used it when teaching sign languages courses previously and has always found it to be user friendly, especially for beginners. 

Humphries, T., Padden, C., & O'Rourke, T. (1994).  A basic course in American sign language.  T.J. Publishers, Inc. (Second Edition).

Sign language can help to facilitate both expressive and receptive language for students within the school based setting.  For those who have difficulty producing the vocabulary needed to interact with peers, learning an alternate way of communicating can be a real game changer.  Many children demonstrate a decrease in behaviors and appear less frustrated when they have a reliable means of communication.  For some, sign language not only allows them to more readily communicate their basic wants and needs, but also decreases social isolation and encourages interactive play.  Within the academic setting, staff members always want to ensure that the child's cognitive capacity is being accurately represented and that no physical limitation is prohibiting the student from communicating effectively.  Sign language can be a great resource for some students who may otherwise have difficulty communicating all of their unique desires, thoughts, and ideas!

Below is a list of some commonly used signs within the school setting, all of which I have had a chance to learn and review with my sign language instructor.

• animals (zebra, horse, cow, bird, duck, chicken, sheep, pig, turkey, bear, elephant, giraffe, tiger, lion, rabbit, owl, mouse, Mickey Mouse, caterpillar, bug, spider, nothing, monkey, fish). 
• colors (brown, black, grey, orange, pink, red, blue, green, yellow, white purple).
• numbers (1-20)
• emotions (angry, happy, sad, surprised, tired, bored). 
• interesting 
• smart, clever
• more 
• no 
• yes 
• stop 
• please 
• thank you 
• want 
• don't want 
• schedule, list 
• snack, eat 
• hungry 
• thirsty 
• bathroom, toilet 
• walk 
• swing 
• run 
• jump
• work
• play 
• look 
• read 
• book
• sit 
• toy
• first 
• then 
• school 
• home 
• pay attention, focus 
• listen 
• clean up 
• draw 
• study 
• test 
• know 
• don't know 
• understand

Look for a future post with instructional pictures related to some of the signs listed above! :-)